Learn Japan in 30-second reels
Real phrases for the konbini, the restaurant, the train — each with romaji and English, ready to use the second you land.
All videos
Survival
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They Handed You a Rubber Key. Walk Out Without It and Your Shoes Stay in Japan.
getabako · shoe box (the numbered cabinet)
Survival
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At a Japanese Table Your Glass Is Never Empty. That Isn't Generosity. It's a Loop.
mada daijōbu desu · I'm still good, thanks.
Survival
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Stand Left in Tokyo, Right in Osaka. Two Places Made a Rule Saying It Doesn't Matter.
tachidomatte go-riyō kudasai. · Please stand still while riding.
Survival
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No Eating While You Walk, No Bins. So Where Does the Skewer Go?
gomi, onegai dekimasu ka? · Could you take this rubbish for me?
Survival
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You Had a Bath at a Japanese Home and Pulled the Plug. Three People Were Still Waiting for That Water.
oyu wa nukanaide kudasai · Please don't drain the tub.
Beginner
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You Gave Up Your Seat in Japan and Got Turned Down. There's a Tiny Lie That Fixes It.
tsugi de orimasu node, dōzo · I'm getting off at the next stop, so please, go ahead.
Survival
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Your Legs Died Ten Minutes Ago. They Told You to Stop Kneeling at Minute Two.
dōzo, ashi o kuzushite kudasai · Please, sit however's comfortable. You don't have to kneel.
Survival
▶
You're Eight Minutes Late. In Japan That Is Not a Little Late.
okurete sumimasen · Sorry I'm late.
Survival
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If You Hear This Word Behind You, You're Standing In The Wrong Place.
jama · in the way, a nuisance
Survival
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The Yukata in Your Ryokan Room. Wrap It the Wrong Way and You Are Dressed Like the Dead.
gyaku desu yo · It's the other way around.
Survival
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You Stood Your Chopsticks Up in the Rice. In Japan You Just Set the Table for a Funeral.
hashioki, arimasu ka? · Do you have a chopstick rest?
Survival
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You Loved That Ryokan. 'Thank You' Isn't the Word for Walking Out the Door.
osewa ni narimashita · Thank you for everything you did for me.
Intermediate
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That Sign Is Not Saying Please Be Careful. Japanese Has a Way of Saying No Without the Word No.
tabearuki wa go-enryo kudasai · Please refrain from eating while walking.
Survival
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Why Leaving a Tip in Japan Backfires
otsuri wa ii desu · Keep the change / the change is fine
Survival
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Need a Bathroom in Japan? Say THIS — Not 'Toilet Doko'
Toire, o-kari shite mo ii desu ka? · May I use your restroom?
Survival
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It's Pouring in Japan — and There's a Machine by Every Door You're Walking Past
kasa-bukuro · umbrella sleeve
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